What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy is a document that is issued by your local municipality (village, town, city, etc.) indicating that the property has been inspected by a Licensed Building Inspector (usually from the Department of Buildings or Licenses and Inspection) and meets the requirements for habitation based on the buildings classification. For many municipalities this is a requirement before any structure may be inhabited by tenants and/or businesses. Several municipalities call the Certificate of Occupancy by a different name; such as a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Habitation. Not all municipalities require a certificate, and some do not offer certificates to certain classifications of property. Because a municipality does not require an inspection, does not mean that the property cannot be inspected. Contact your local municipality and ask if they provide safety/building inspections for your property.
Certificate of Occupancy Listing Options:
SBI Off-Campus Housing is mandating that all listing indicate the status of the Certificate of Occupancy. There are four (4) options to choose from. See below for their definitions.
Verified:
1) Municipality offers a Certificate of Occupancy for this property.
2) Landlord has been issued a certificate by the municipality within the last 24 months prior to listing.
3) SBI Off-Campus Housing has received a copy of and has confirmed the Certificate of Occupancy from the Landlord or his/her agent.
Not Verified:
1) Municipality offers a Certificate of Occupancy for this property.
2) Landlord has been issued a certificate by the municipality within 24 months of listing.
3) SBI Off-Campus Housing has NOT received a copy of and has NOT confirmed the Certificate of Occupancy from the Landlord or his/her agent.
No Certificate:
1) Municipality offers a Certificate of Occupancy for this property.
2) Certificate of Occupancy was NOT issued within the past 24 months from the listing date.
3) SBI Off-Campus Housing has NOT received a copy of and has NOT confirmed the Certificate of Occupancy from the Landlord of his/her agent.
N/A:
1) Municipality DOES NOT offer a Certificate of Occupancy for this property.